Aurangabad Tourism Guide

Aurangabad is star and most popular tourist destination of Maharashtra. Along with World heritage sites, the historical and cultural place has many
stunning Mogul monuments. The major tourist places of Aurangabad are Ajanta caves, Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulutabad Fort, Naukhanda Palace,
Aurangabad Caves, Soneri Mahal, Siddhart Garden, Gautala Sanctuary, Grishneshwar temple, Paithan and many more.

Tourist Places in Aurangabad

Ajanta caves are finest examples of Indian art. The Ajanta caves have 30 rock-cutÂ Buddhist caves with amazing wall paintings which are depicted on the
life of Lord Buddha. Flash photography is prohibited in the caves due to adverse effect on the murals. Getting early at the site or avoiding holiday to
visit the caves can help to explore caves better.More Information

Also known as Verul Leni is fantastic work of Indian architecture and was built over period of time. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it has 34 caves- 12 Buddhist
(from cave 1-12), 17 Hindu (from cave 13-29) and 5 Jain (from cave 30-34). More Information

Bibi Ka Maqbara was built by Ajam Shah, son of Aurangzeb in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum in 1679. It is also called Taj of Deccan as it was
built on inspiration of Taj Mahal. The architecture and stone work of the mausoleum is really impressive. More Information

Located near Nehru Bal Udyan and dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj, it showcase war weapons of Maratha empire including 500 year war suit, hand written copy of
Quran by Aurangzeb and 400 year old. More Information

Also known as Devgiri fort, it was built by Yadav kings around 12th century. Being located 11 km North West of Aurangabad city, it is surrounded by three
concentric walls namely, Amberkot, Mahakot and Kalakot. Magnificent structures of the fort such as Chand Minar, Chini Mahal and BaradariÂ makes must visit
of Aurangabad trip. More Information

Also known as water mill generates energy from water from nearby mountain through underground pipes. More Information

Naukhanda Palace, Aurangabad
(Timings: 9.00 am to 5.30 pm)

Naukhanda Palace was built by Malik Ambar in 1616 for accommodation of royal family and later extended by the noble Alam Khan of Aurangajeb Court and Asah
Jah I. This brilliant architecture structure compromises of nine apartments and five zenanas namely Divan-i-am, Divan-i-Khans, Masjid, Kacheri. Each zanana
is provided with a garden and a cistern. The walls of the central part of the Devankhana, and a hamam or hot bath attached to the building, are in a fair
state of preservation. However, the wood-work and the stucco plaster are all gone.

Aurangabad Caves
(Timings: Sunrise to Sunset)

The Aurangabad caves are 12 artificial rock-cut Buddhist caves dating back to 6th and 7th century located on a hill nearly 2 km north from Bibi Ka Maqbara
in Aurangabad. The caves have been outshined by the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Ellora and Ajanta cave temples and lesser known. The sculptural
carvings of the caves are of class of Ajanta and Ellora caves. The place also offers panoramic view of the city as well as the imposing Maqbara.

Soneri Mahal, Aurangabad
(Timings: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm)

Soneri (Sunehri) Mahal in Paharsingpura was established by a Bundelkhand Chief who accompanied Aurangzeb into the Deccan. Built in stone and lime, the
structure is said to have derived its name from the paintings of gold which at one time decorated it. The historical monument is now converted into museum
which holds ancient pottery, household items, dresses, sculptures and antiques.

Situated in the heart of the city near Samarth nagar, Siddharth Garden and Zoo is popular picnic spot which is mostly crowded on evenings especially on
weekends. The park has kid play zone and kid rises, slides, swings, zoo, aquarium and musical water fountain show. The small zoo has some wild animals.

History Museum of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University
(http://www.bamu.ac.in/) (Timings: 10.30 am to 5.00 pm, Closed on 2nd and 4th Saturday/Sunday and Public Holidays)

Located in University campus, History Museum houses Indian paintings, artefacts dating back to 7th to 12th century, inscriptions,
historical documents, coins, arms and other collections.

Purwar Museum

(Timings: 10.30 am to 1.30 pm, 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm, Closed on Monday)

Located on Safara road, Purwar museum houses in magnificent old haveli and holds personal collections by Dr. Purwar. Important collections of museum are
500 year old chain maul suit, a copy of the Kuran written by Aurangzeb, and an 800-year-old Paithani sari.

Wildlife and Nature Trails in Aurangabad

Gautala Sanctuary is a reserved forest and protected area situated in the Ajanta and Satmala hill ranges of Western Ghats. Sanctuary has more than 50
species of wild animals, 200 species of residents as well as migrant birds and 200 plant species. Other tourist spots around the location include
Chitalkhora caves, Patna Devi, Antur fort and many waterfalls. More Information

Jayakwadi Dam and Bird Sanctuary

Jayakwadi Dam is one of the largest dams of Maharashtra, located near Paithan. The water reservoir created by water of dam on Godavari River is called as
Nathsagar. This project is used mainly to irrigate agricultural land of drought-prone region of Marathwada. The surrounding area has a garden known as
Dnyaneshwar Udyan and a Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary which is home for many species of resident and migrant birds.

It is religious place for Muslims and tomb of Aurangzeb is built here. More Information

Saint Jaganade Maharaj Temple, Paithan
(Timings: 6.00 am to 9.00 pm)

Saint Jaganade Maharaj Temple was one of the fourteen players employed by Saint Tukaram Maharaj. Jagnade Maharaj written several of Saint Tukaram’s famous
abhangs and he is only saint from Teli Samaj. He was from Varkari Samprayday and Vasinnave devotee of God Vithal.

Nath Bhagwan Shetra, Paithan
(Timings: 6.00 am to 9.00 pm)

Situated on the banks of Godavari river, the principal deity of Nath Bhagwan Shetra is Bhagwan Munisuvrat Nath—the 20th Teerthankar contemporary to Bhagvan
Ram. According to sayings Shri Ram Chandraji worshiped this magnificent black sand stone idol which is believed to be thousand years old.

Sant Eknath Maharaj Samdhi Mandir is situated on "Krushnakamal Tirth" on Godavari river bank. The temple is said to be built during Ramayana period and
Ahilyabai Holkar renovated the temple. The temple complex has Samadhi of Bhanudas Maharaj (Symbolic Shrine), Chkrapani Maharaj, Surynarayan Maharaj, Sant
Eknath Maharaj, Haripandit, Ramchandra Maharaj. There is also small temple of 'Gawba'.

Aurangabad is famous for Hurda parties which are arranged by farm resorts during winter (December-January). Hurda party is food party at farms of Jowar
crop (called as Hurda) served along with Chataney (desiccated coconut garlic with dried red chilli) and curd. Some of the resorts like Hiranya Resorts
(http://www.hiranyaresorts.com/), Chaitanya Agri Tourism (http://www.chaitanyaagrotourism.com) which arranges Hurda parties.

Shopping in Aurangabad

Paithan is city and municipal council of Aurangabad and famous for Paithani. It is beautiful silk saris that sport intricately embroidered gold or silver
borders. Made from very fine silk, it is considered as one of the richest saris in Maharashtra.

Aurangabad Market

Aurangabad is popular for the beautifully woven silk Himru and Mashru shawls, of which Himru is traditional weaving craft of Aurangabad with a blending of
cotton and silk.

It is also known for its bidriware craft which is the intricate silver inlay craft which was once laid by the Mughals. The historical place is the place to
look for old coins dating back to the Mughal period.

Other Important Tourist Information about Aurangabad

How to Reach Aurangabad:

Nearest airport is Chikalthana airport at Aurangabad. Aurangabad (AWB) is closest railway station. Aurangabad is well connected by road transport to other
cities of India.

Best Time to visit Aurangabad:
October to March

If you want to visit and enjoy Ajanta and Ellora caves peacefully, avoid to plan in Diwali and Christmas holiday season. Weekdays will be better option to
visit this World Heritage Sites so that you can avoid crowd on holidays.